How to Make Affordable Jewellery Look Expensive

Great style has very little to do with the amount of cash you've got in the bank. Don't get us wrong, we love a head-to-toe designer look as much as the next girl, but knowing how to work a high-low mix can really make an outfit. Something our style muses nail every time is incorporating affordable, on-trend accessories into a look. It can really take your fashion game to the next level. Think about it: buying of-the-minute accessories at an affordable price point lets you tap into as many of the key trends as you fancy without having to splurge on an entirely new wardrobe every season.

Affordable jewellery, bags and accessories can look just as chic as the more expensive pieces if you know how to style them well. Start by shopping a brand with incredible range — Colette by Colette Hayman is one of our favourite accessory destinations, and with over 300 new items launching every week it's saved us in a last-minute shopping pinch so many times.

We've worked some of the best pieces from Colette's latest product drop into our styling hacks below for you to read and shop right away — no savings plan required!

1. LAYER DELICATE PIECES

Fine chains, dainty rings and simple, gold bangles have been hugely popular for the last few seasons and the trend shows no signs of slowing in 2018. If your budget doesn't stretch to 18 carat gold, buy a few affordable gold-toned pieces in similar styles with subtle points of difference — maybe one necklace has a coin medallion, and another teeny crystals — and layer them up.

2. CHOOSE TRENDY SHAPES IN "FOREVER" COLOURS

Our best tip for buying a stylish new handbag without digging a hole in your savings account? Strike the right balance between "trend" and "staple". If you're buying an on-trend shape — like the bucket bags that seem to be everywhere this Autumn — choose a neutral colour that's always in style. Tan, black or grey will elevate the piece, and you'll get more wear out of it, too.

3. COMBINE DIFFERENT TEXTURES

Combining different textures throughtout your look is a golden style rule, regardless of price point. Even the most budget-conscious shopper can pull together an interesting outfit by pairing tough metals, soft suedes, shiny patent fabrics and tactile details. Just bought a new teddy coat (who hasn't)? Match it with faux-snakeskin. Thick chain and buckle details on a cross-body bag highlight the softness of grey check trousers. Playing with unusual texture combinations is the ultimate styling hack.